A Community Grieves

Today was an incredibly sad day in our community as family and friends came together to say their final goodbyes to Dane Nisbet, who died tragically last week.

So many in this community never knew him and couldn’t be there to show our support – but it’s there.

This is something that never should have happened. That’s the hardest part. It makes no sense and this kind of thing just doesn’t happen here.

The grief is unbearable for those closest to him.

I didn’t know Dane, but I know tragic and sudden loss. I know the feelings that come with it and all I can say, is this will take a lifetime to get through and will never stop hurting.

Shock. Numbness. Despair. Devastation. Heartbreak you don’t think you will ever, ever recover from.

My heart goes out to his family and friends and every single person who knew him.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I’m so very sorry for all that you are going through right now.

Words fail me. Nothing seems like the “right” thing to say, but to see the community show up in such a big way has been incredible to witness. When we grieve together, we help each other through the darkest days. When we show up for each other, it helps with the healing.

Don’t stop.

Don’t stop reaching out to those who have been impacted by this tragedy.

Don’t stop asking how someone is feeling or how they are handling it all. Because it’s a lot and this impacts so many.

This community is sharing in this enormous grief and it’s okay to not feel okay. When something like this happens in a community, it can trigger feelings of anxiety, fear, and hopelessnes – which are valid and normal responses.

What you can do –

Talk about it. Allow yourself to feel the sadness.

Stick to a routine to help provide some stability when life feels out of control.

Lean on others – friends, family, counselling or a support group -in person or online.

Keep taking care of yourself — focus on the basics – sleep, make sure you’re eating and reach for the healthy foods, and try to get some light movement in your body.

Be patient with yourself. Grief is not linear and it will hit you in waves. It’s a roller coaster of emotions.

Find a way to give back and show support to others.

The Nesbit family has experienced the worst – and this is where we step up. This is where we rally around each other like we’ve done so many times before.

This is where we shine. It’s how we take care of each other, show kindness and compassion, and in this case – we grieve with those who are grieving.

Sending all my love and prayers for comfort to everyone who is feeling lost, overwhelmed and incredibly sad today.

We will get through this.

#sarniastrong

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan